System for intermittently dispensing oxygen or other gas suitable for breathing



Sept. 10, 1968 J. E. FINAN 3, 0

SYSTEM FOR INTERMITTENTLY DISPENSING OXYGEN OR OTHER GAS SUITABLE FORBREATHING Filed Aug. 12, 1965 T fi- 16 1 0 I? 11 OXYGEN SOLENCMD HUMID-supp y VALVE IFIER NASAL NU A SWITCH T BATTERV 14 INVENTOR. JAMES E.FINAN MZLM ArrmA/Ey United States Patent 3,400,712 SYSTEM FORINTERMITTENTLY DISPENSING OXYGEN OR OTHER GAS SUITABLE FOR BREATHINGJames E. Finan, 1193 Hardscrabble Road, Chappaqua, N.Y. 10514 Filed Aug.12, 1965, Ser. No. 479,128 5 Claims. (Cl. 128-203) ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE A portable, self-contained apparatus useful for dispensing agas such as oxygen. In the operation of this device the gas or oxygen isdispensed only when the person wearing the device is inhaling. When theperson wearing the device exhales, the supply of oxygen is interrupted.This is accomplished by including in the device adapted to be worn onthe person, along with the oxygen supply, an oxygen flow control meansand the oxygen dispensing means which may be a nasal cannula connectedwith the oxygen source via the oxygen flow control means by means of aconduit, an actuating means responsive to the torso body movement of theperson wearing the device. The actuating means comprises a belt and aswitch with a lost motion connection between the belt and the switch,the switch being operatively connected to the oxygen flow control meanswhich may be a solenoid valve. When the person wearing the deviceinhales the resulting torso body movement operates the switch so as toopen the oxygen flow control means to supply oxygen to the oxygendispensing means. When, however, the person wearing the device exhalesthe resulting torso body movement causes the switch to open to shut offthe oxygen flow control means thereby interrupting the supply of oxygento the oxygen dispensing means. The device of this invention does notrestrict normal body movement or activity of the person wearing the sameand leaves the face of the wearer exposed and the nose and any otherface part of the wearer substantially unrestricted.

This invention relates to a system or device or apparatus for dispensingoxygen or other gas suitable for inhalation. More particularly, thisinvention relates to a portable system or device for intermittentlydispensing oxygen for breathing. Still more particularly, this inventionrelates to a system or apparatus capable of being Worn on the person andfor dispensing intermittently oxygen for breathing.

In accordance with one embodiment, this invention is directed to aportable oxygen supply apparatus useful for intermittently supplyingoxygen for breathing. In accordance with another embodiment thisinvention is directed to a method or technique for supplying oxygen forbreathing. In accordance with yet another embodiment this invention isdirected to a technique of oxygen therapy particularly useful for anemphysematous person. In accordance with yet another embodiment thisinvention is directed to a system for training or aiding in properbreathing control, particularly useful in emphserna therapy involvingthe supply of oxygen for breathing.

Various systems, devices and techniques are known for supplying oxygenfor breathing. Also, it is known to pro vide a portable oxygendispensing apparatus for supplying oxygen or to supplement the supply ofoxygen for breathing purposes; Such systems and techniques heretoforehave usually involved supplying oxygen continuously. For example, suchsystems and techniques heretofore have involved continuously supplyingoxygen for breathing, both during inhalation and exhalation. Supplyingoxygen for breathing purposes when the person is ex- Patented Sept. 10,1968 haling is wasteful since unless confined or channeled or capturedby suitable means, which means would be cumbersome, the oxygen suppliedfor breathing during exhalation would be wasted. Despite this situationportable oxygen dispensing means known heretofore supply oxygensubstantially continuously for breathing. This has necessitated the useof .a relatively large capacity oxygen source. Since oxygen is normallygaseous and has a low boiling point, strong and heavy containers must beemployed'to contain the oxygen. This has contributed sub. stantially tothe weight of the portable oxygen breathing apparatus and to the effortand discomfort of the person carrying the same. Also, obviously, suchsystems and technique for supplying oxygen for breathing in a mannerFurther, when oxygen is supplied continuously, such as by means of anasal cannula or the like, the continuous supply of oxygen, particularlyover a long period of time, may have an irritant effect upon the mucousmembranes and the like in contact therewith. This irritant effect can tosome extent be mollified by humidifying the oxygen.

It is an object of this invention to provide a relatively lightweight,easily carried, portable system for dispensing oxygen.

Another object of this invention is to provide a relatively lightweight,simple, portable system for dispensing oxygen intermittently and ondemand.

Another object of this invention is to provide a technique for supplyingoxygen for breathing in a manner particularly useful for anemphysematous person or in oxygen therapy for emphysema.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a portable oxygensupply system adapted to be worn on the person and providing a longeruseful life for a given amount of oxygen contained in the system ascompared with other known comparable portable systems which continuouslydispense oxygen.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a portable systemadapted to be worn on the person for the supply of gaseous oxygen forbreathing purposes wherein the face of the person wearing the same isfree and exposed save for a nasal cannula or the like for the supply ofthe dispensed oxygen and wherein the freedom of movement of the person,including use of nose or mouth, wearing the system is substantiallyunrestricted.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an oxygen supplysystem adapted to be worn on the person for the supply of oxygen forbreathing purposes via the nose or mouth and only when the person isinhaling, the mouth or nose not being necessarily sealed to the systemduring use.

How these and other objects of this invention are achieved will becomeapparent in the light of the accompanying disclosure made with referenceto the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates major elements of the oxygen supplysystem in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 2 shows a disposition and arrangement of the system or device inaccordance with this invention when worn on the person;

FIG. 3 is a plan view in partial cross section of a switching oractuating element useful in the system or apparatus of this invention;and wherein FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken through lines 44 ofFIG. 3.

In at least one embodiment of the practice of this invention at leastone of the foregoing objects will be achieved.

In accordance with this invention there is provided a system and/orapparatus wherein oxygen or other gas suitable for breathing isdispensed or delivered intermittently on demand. More particularly inaccordance with this invention there is provided a system and/orapparatus wherein oxygen or other gas suitable for breathing isdispensed intermittently and on demand only when the person employingsaid system and/ or apparatus is inhaling, the supply of oxygen or othersuitable gas being interrupted or shut off during exhaling.

As indicated schematically in the accompanying drawings, and withparticular reference to FIG. 1 thereof, the system and/ or apparatus inaccordance with this invention comprises an oxygen supply or tank 10,such as an oxygen tank together with conventional pressure reduction andflow control valves and equipment. Optionally, there is associated withthe system a humidifying device or humidifier 11 for humidifying thegaseous oxygen issuing from oxygen supply just before it is dispensed tothe user. The dispensed gaseous oxygen is arranged to flow through asuitable valving device, such as solenoid valve 12. Solenoid valve 12 isadapted to be opened or closed to permit the flow or interruption of theflow of oxygen therethrough depending upon whether or not solenoid valve12 is opened or closed.

Operation of the solenoid valve 12 is effected by means of a suitableelectrical power source, such as battery 14, and actuating mechanism orswitch 15. When switch is closed solenoid valve 12 is actuated to openand to permit the flow of gaseous oxygen to a suitable dispensing means,such as nasal cannula 16. When switch 15 is opened the flow of currentfrom. battery 14 to solenoid valve 12 is interrupted and solenoid valve12 closed thereby shutting otf the flow of oxygen to nasal cannula 16.

It is a feature of this invention that actuating mechanism or switch 15is operated so that oxygen is supplied to nasal cannula 16intermittently and on demand during inhaling and only when the personWearing or employing the system and/or apparatus of this invention isinhaling. By adapting solenoid valve 12 to dispense oxygen to the nasalcannula only when the person using the system and/or apparatus of thisinvention is inhaling, a substantial saving in oxygen consumption isrealized since all the oxygen dispensed and flowing through solenoidvalve 12 and nasal cannula 16 is consumed by the person inhaling. Thereis no oxygen flowing through solenoid valve 12 and nasal cannula 16 whenthe person employing the system and/ or apparatus of this invention isexhaling or commences to exhale, with resulting wasting of any oxygenwhich is dispensed during exhaling. :In accordance with this feature ofthe invention oxygen only flows through solenoid valve 12 and thedispensing means, nasal cannula 16, when the person employing the systemand/or apparatus of this invention commences to inhale and duringinhaling. When the person stops inhaling and commences to exhale theflow of oxygen through solenoid valve 12 and nasal cannula 16 isimmediately interrupted.

Importantly there is also a safety feature associated with the use ofthis device in oxygen therapy. Since the oxygen, as dispensed, isinhaled and consumed immediately, there is substantially no tendency foroxygen to accumulate and concentrate in the immediate surroundings ofthe user thereby avoiding fire and explosion hazards usually associatedwith conventional oxygen therapy.

Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings which illustrates generally theportable oxygen dispensing system and/or apparatus of this invention and'how it may be adapted to be Worn on the person, there is illustrated acontainer 20 suspended from one shoulder of the person wearing the sameby means of shoulder strap 21. Container 20 is provided with an oxygensource, such as a small oxygen tank, together with an associatedhumidifying device and battery and solenoid valve, all not shown butsuitably disposed within container 20. Conduit 22, such as a flexibleplastic tubing, leads from container 20 to nasal cannula 24 which isheld in place on the face of the person by means of adjustable strap 25.Flexible tubing or conduit 22 is in fluid communication with the oxygensource within container 20 and the humidifying device and solenoid valvetherein for the transmission and dispensing of the oxygen to nasalcannula 24.

The solenoid valve within container 20 is actuated by -means of aswitch, generally indicated by reference numeral 26, which is inelectrical contact with the battery and solenoid valve within container20 by means of Wire or conductor 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 switch 26 is positioned and adapted to be wornon the torso of the person by means of belt 29 which encircles the bodyof the person wearing the same at the waist, below the rib cage, insubstantially the usual belt-wearing position. The system and/orapparatus of this invention employed as illustrated in FIG. 2 of thedrawings is specially suited to promote diaphragmatic breathing of theperson wearing the same. If desired, however, the belt may be worn toencircle the chest if thoracic breathing is predominant. In normalpersons breathing is both thoracic and diaphragmatic.

More particularly, in diaphragmatic breathing the diaphragm, duringinhalation, descends. Upon descension the diaphragm tends to draw airinto the lungs while at the same time causing the abdomen to expand. Atthe conclusion of diaphragmatic inhalation the diaphragm ascends therebytending to expel air from the lungs and causing the abdomen to contract.Switch 26 is effective, upon inhalation and expansion or enlargement ofthe abdomen as the diaphragm descends, to dispense oxygen via tubing 22and nasal cannula 24 to the person breathing and to shut off the flow ofoxygen as the person commences to exhale as the diaphragm ascends withresulting contraction of the abdomen.

This disposition and arrangement for supplying and interrupting thesupply of oxygen through diaphragmatic breathing is particularlyadvantageous for an emphysema tous person since an emphysematous personis encouraged to breath diaphragmatically. The system and/ or apparatusof this invention, since it can be employed to be operative exclusivelywith diaphragmatic breathing, can be employed to encourage diaphragmaticbreathing and, in use, to award the person properly breathingdiaphragmatically with a draught of oxygen. If the person employing thedevice and/ or apparatus of this invention does not properly breath, iedoes not breath enough diaphragmatically, no oxygen is supplied.Therefore, the person employing the system and/or apparatus of thisinvention is more conscious and aware of diaphragmatic breathing and thenecessity of diaphragmatic breathing if oxygen is to be supplied. Thisarrangement and disposition, as indicated hereinabove, is particularlyvaluable for an emphysematous person.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 which illustrate in greater detail aswitch suitable for use in a system and/or apparatus of this invention,as illustrated therein ends of belt 29 are expandably held together bymeans of springs 30. Belt 29 is adapted, as illustrated, to encircle thewearer and is fastened to the wearer by means of an adjustable buckle,not shown. Springs 30 are fastened to belt 29 by suitable means, such asrivets 30a. The switch is made up of an outer, bottle-shaped shell orbody 31 of suitable material, such as glass or plastic. The necked-downor neck portion of switch body 31 is fastened to belt 29 by means ofclip 32 and the cylindrical portion of switch body 31 is fastened tobelt 29 by means of clip 34.

A stiff member 35, such as a stiff wire, is fastened at one end to belt29 by means of rivet 35a. The other end of stiff wire 35 is disposedwithin switch body 31, stiff wire 35 being slidably fitted within theneck portion thereof. The other end of stiff wire 35 is formed into loop35b. Wire or conductor 28 is disposed to pass through cylinder plug orbody 36'slidably disposed within switch body 31. Desirably, plug 36 ismade of insulatingmaterial and fairly closely fitted within switch body31 for a snug fit and so that sufficient friction is present betweenplug 36 and switch body 31 such that plug 36 does not tend to chatter ormove therein unless positively moved by wire 35.

Metallic wire elements 28a and 28b of conductor 28 enter one end of andare separated within plug 36 and pass therethrough. At the other end ofplug 36 the insulating material is stripped from elements 28a and 28band the bare metallic electricallyconducting elements exposed. Baremetallic elements 28a and 28b of conductor 28 are exposed to form twoseparate loops. Disposed within loops 28a and 28b is bar 38 of suitableelectrically conductive material, such as copper. Bar 38 is fastened orconnected to stiff wire 35 with the result that stiff wire 35 at loopportion 35b thereof together with bar 38 forms a lost motion-typeconnection with respect to plug 36 via looped elements 28a and 28b.

In operation, and in the manner as illustrated in FIG. 2, as the personwearing the apparatus in accordance with this invention inhalesdiaphragmatically the abdomen expands. Upon expansion of the abdomen,belt 29 is expanded against springs 30 and stiff wire 35 moves bar 38into contact with bare metallic elements 28a and 28b of conductor 28thereby forming an electrical connection therebetween and closing thecircuit permitting actuation and opening of the solenoid valve todispense oxygen via tubing 22 to nasal cannula 24 for inhalation. Uponcontinued expansion of the abdomen during diaphragmatic breathing plug36 with conductor 28 and its associated components moves within switchbody 31 toward the neck end of switch body 31 under the urging or pullof stiff wire 35.

Upon completion of inhalation, still breathing diaphragmatically, and atthe start of exhalation, the abdomen contracts with the result that belt29 also contracts. As belt 29 contracts and under the urging of springs30, bar 38 which is fastened to stiff wire 35 is moved out of contactwith metallic elements 28a and 28b and is pushed against plug 36 asstiff wire 35 moves plug 36 away from the neck end of switch body 31. Itis thus seen that by virtue of the lost motion-type connection betweenstiff wire 35 and plug 36 electrical contact is made and broken so as toactuate the solenoid valve and dispense oxygen to the person forinhaling diaphragmatically or exhaling diaphragmatically.

During inhalation and upon expansion of belt 29 stiff wire 35 pullscopper bar 38 to contact elements 28a and 28b to complete the circuit byelectrically joining elements 28a and 28b. At the end of inhalation, asthe abdomen contracts, stiff wire 35 moves bar 38 out of contact withelements 28a and 28b pressing bar 38 against plug 36 and moving plug 36backwards Within switch body 31. As bar 38 is moved out of contact withelements 28a and 28b the circuit is broken and the solenoid valve closedthereby preventing the How of oxygen to the nasal cannula during theperiod of exhalation when oxygen is not required and would be wasted.

It is thus seen that there is provided in accordance with this inventiona switch operative to actuate or to open a solenoid valve to permit theflow of oxygen during inhalation only and to close the solenoid valveand to prevent the flow of oxygen when exhalation is commenced. Theswitch employed in the apparatus in accordance with this invention ismotion sensitive and can be made such that upon the slightest expansionor contraction of the chest or abdomen, an electrical connection is madeto permit oxygen to be dispensed through the solenoid valve duringinhalation and to break the electrical connection, thereby interruptingthe flow of oxygen during exhalation.

Although this invention has been described in particular with respect toswitch 26 of special construction as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 otherswitches effective upon diaphragmatic inhalation to dispense oxygen andeffective upon diaphragmatic exhalation to interrupt the supply ofoxygen, all in the manner described in accordance with this invention,are suitable. Such switches may be mechanical, electromechanical,electrical, magnetic, and combinations thereof in operation.

Further, although this invention has been described in connection with aportable system, such as one capable of being worn on the person, it ispointed out the oxygen supply source may be from a central source oflarge capacity and even remote from the person. The benefits of thisinvention are still obtainable in such a situation since the actuatingmeans attached to the person is effec tive to supply and dispense theoxygen from this central source only when the person is inhaling.

As will he apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of theforegoing disclosure, many substitutions, alterations and modificationsare possible in the practice of this invention without departing fromthe spirit or scope thereof.

I claim:

1. Portable apparatus useful for oxygen therapy and capable of beingworn on the person, the apparatus permitting freedom of movement of theperson wearing the apparatus and leaving the face exposed and the noseand mouth of the person Wearing the apparatus substantiallyunrestricted, comprising a source of oxygen, oxygen flow control means,an electrical circuit comprising an electric circuit means, a source ofelectrical power to operate through said electrical circuit said oxygenflow control means, oxygen dispensing means, a conduit in fluidcommunication with said oxygen source and said oxygen dispensing meansfor supplying oxygen to the person wearing said apparatus, said oxygenflow control means being disposed in association with said conduit toperrnit the flow or the interruption of the fiow of oxygen through saidconduit, actuating means to actuate said oxygen flow control means, saidactuating means comprising a belt adapted to encircle the torso of theperson wearing said apparatus and to expand and contract with the torsobody movement of the person wearing said apparatus, said electriccircuit means being carried on said belt and adapted to permit thesupply of electrical power via said electrical circuit from saidelectrical power source to said oxygen flow control means when saidcircuit means is closed to operate said oxygen flow control means topermit the flow of oxygen therethrough and to interrupt the flow ofoxygen through said oxygen flow control means when said circuit means isopened, said circuit means being adapted to be opened or to be closed bymeans of a lost motion connection between said belt and said circuitmeans depending upon the torso body movement of the person wearing saidapparatus, said lost motion connection comprising a stiff member fixedat one end to said belt and carrying at the other end means to completeand close said circuit means, said lost motion connection beingeffective upon expansion of said belt to move said stiff member in onedirection to bring said means carried at the other end of said stiffmember into contact with and to complete and close said circuit meansand upon continued expansion of said belt to maintain said means incontact with said circuit means and to move said circuit means in saidone direction, said stiff member being adapted to immediately move saidmeans carried at the other end of said stiff member out of contact withand away from and to open said circuit means upon contraction of saidbelt and being adapted to maintain said means carried at the other endof said stiff member out of contact with said circuit means and to movesaid circuit means in said other direction upon continued movement ofsaid stiff member in said other direction due to continued contractionof said belt. I

2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said oxygen flow controlmeans is a solenoid valve.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said oxygen flow controlmeans is a solenoid valve and wherein said oxygen dispensing means is anasal cannula.

4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said oxygen flow controlmeans is a solenoid valve, wherein said oxygen dispensing means is anasal cannula and including a humidifying means effective to humidifythe oxygen flowing from said oxygen source to said nasal cannula.

5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said source of oxygen,said oxygen flow control means and 'a portion of said conduit areprovided within a container adapted to be worn on the person.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,912,979 11/1959 Lieber 128--2031,176,146 3/1916 Jones 128-207 1,392,700 10/1921 Oycn 128-25 2,185,06912/1939 Sholes et a1. 128-207 2,693,178 11/1954 Gilroy 128-205 RICHARDA. oAu

FOREIGN PATENTS France Germany. Germany.

O H KE ENC S" Campbell: 3,297,841, January 1967,.

DET, PrimeryEraminer;

K. .L. HOWELL, AssistimtExaminer.

